Chapter 8: Duke Astravore Is Here.

Chapter 8: Duke Astravore Is Here. [Reynold’s POV] Reynold looked at his son quietly. He tried to joke, to keep things light but the situation was anything but that. His son had messed with Duke Astravore. Reynold’s fists clenched slightly. Son, I’m sorry for being weak. He wanted to say it. Scream it. But he didn’t. He couldn’t show weakness. Not now. Not in front of his son. Duke Astravore had been pressuring the Ashborn Family for Rael’s immediate execution. Reynold had defended him fiercely. But without his father—Reylin Von Ashborn—present, it wasn’t going well. The Ashborn family was ruled by both the Head and the Elder Council. His father, Reylin, was the leader of that council. But he was currently away on an important mission, gone for nearly three years. Reynold held the title of Head, but power didn’t come freely with the position. Especially not when his strength was "only" S-Rank. The Elder Council, in Reylin’s absence, was fiercely opposing Rael’s protection. They’d said it plainly: "We can’t risk the entire family for one child... even if that child is the Head’s son." Sly bastards. They were waiting for this. With Reylin away, they were growing bold—too bold. Some whispered he must’ve died. They wanted Reynold to stake everything defending Rael... then force him to take responsibility for the fallout. To step down. At the center of it all was Reynold’s own uncle—an S+ Rank Resonant. He wanted to install his own son as the next family leader. It was a game of power. And Rael? He was the piece they wanted off the board. Still, he didn’t let even the slightest bit of worry show on his face. It didn’t matter if he lost his position. Didn’t matter if the family was destroyed. As long as his children were safe... he would pay any price. That was the last promise he’d made to his wife. And he intended to keep it. So when Rael stood before him, acting calm and confident, hiding behind that same arrogant tone and it made Reynold’s heart ache. When did you grow up so much, kid? He could see it. His son was hiding something. Putting up a front. Even the way he lied. The way he walked. What happened to you in that Class Trial? He wanted to ask. He really did. But his heart wasn’t ready for the answer. Still, the change was glaring. It was almost as if Rael had become... someone else entirely. But Reynold’s heart whispered the truth: No matter how different he acts, he’s still my son. So, he didn’t push for answers. He trusted his little troublemaker. Just like he always had. He lit another cigarette. A habit he’d promised to quit. But only one person ever nagged him about it and she was gone now. Reynold stared at him. "Don’t die stupidly, alright?" He muttered. __ [Rael’s POV] I looked at my father lighting another cigar, the ash from the last one still crumbling on the tray. Normally, I’d have cracked a joke. Teased him about his awful habit. But his words stuck in my mind... "Don’t die stupidly, alright?" And for some reason... it hit me harder than I expected. He reminded me of someone. My old man, back on Earth. Their personalities? Almost too damn similar. Always pretending things were fine. Always hiding the cracks. His name was Ragnar. A mechanic, a drunk, a terrible flirt. I still remember how he’d skip meals to make sure I had enough. How he’d laugh like an idiot even when everything was falling apart. He died like he lived—recklessly. Stabbed by some jealous husband after sleeping with the wrong woman. I never knew the full story. Maybe I didn’t want to. But even when that bastard was lying in a pool of his own blood at the hospital, he was smiling. Like it didn’t hurt. Or maybe he didn’t want me to worry. His last words to me? "Son... Don’t die stupidly, alright? And never sleep with a married woman." Yeah. Real father-of-the-year wisdom right there. But Reynold’s words a few moments ago reminded me of that selfish bastard. Did that fucker Noah even copy personality of my father in his novel? I added another punch to be planted on his face. I looked at my father again. His face had a small smile. But I could only guess the worries within it. I didn’t know how to reply to his question. Don’t die stupidly. Sounds simple, right? But after dying once for a completely stupid reason... I honestly don’t know what to think of it anymore. Still, I gave the only answer I could. "...Working on it." Before my father could say anything more... a knock on the door interrupted. Knock. Knock. It was precise and trained. My gaze snapped toward the sound. The door creaked open and a butler stepped in, dressed neatly in black and white. But there was a tremble in his gloved hands and his voice came out shaky. "S-sir... Duke Astravore is here. He’s demanding your presence. Immediately." __ Author’s Note: Whew, things are heating up. Rael really said "death flag? Never heard of her" — and now Duke Astravore’s at the door like it’s his damn house. If you’re enjoying the story, do support with Power Stones and drop a comment! I read all of them (yes, even the unhinged ones) and they seriously keep me going. See you in the next Chapter~